Based on the Richard Dean Anderson starrer that ran for seven seasons on ABC, the CBS take is described as a reimagining of the television series of the same name, following a 20-something MacGyver as he gets recruited into a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening.NCIS: Los Angeles‘ R. Scott Gemmill will write the script and executive produce the CBS Television Studios drama while staying on board the CBS procedural. Henry Winkler, who exec produced the original series, is on board to serve in the same capacity alongside James Wan‘s Atomic Monster head of production Michael Clear. Wan (Aquaman, Mortal Kombat, Saw) will exec produce and direct the potential pilot and would segue into TV with the project. CBS is keeping mum on how large of a commitment the new MacGyver is, but the network and CBSTVS are said to be very high on bringing back a title from the studio’s library.

The original series ran for seven seasons and 139 episodes, spanning two TV movies on ABC in 1994. Producers Paramount Television attempted a spin-off series, Young MacGyver — starring Supernatural‘s Jared Padalecki — but that did not move forward.